Puerto Rican Culture

Looking for a spot to run your D&D campaign? We have a great table ready to host! We are keeping the time open for you to choose what works for you and your players. Reach out with any questions or suggestions! Zemi Coffee offers a wide range of drink options from coffee, to tea, to hot chocolate. Along with Puerto Rican empanadas and pastries to fuel your players! Email [email protected] with any questions!

**Join us at our TECH MIXER AND SOCIAL for afterwork drinks, networking with tech workers in Chicago and meet people from Chicago and all over the world 🌏🎉** Tech, AI, Data, and more \~ Whether you're a seasoned tech veteran or just starting out, let's create the ideal afterwork place to meet and chill with other workers in tech - find that new job, expand your network, share ideas, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry. Let's inspire, innovate, and shape the future of technology in Chicago! 🍺🥃 Afterwork drinks 📍 **Hopsmith Tavern** \- 15 W Division St\, Chicago 🕕 **5:30pm** onwards **every** **Friday** 🎫 just $4 entry online or $8 at the door! (helps us to run the event inc. Meetup costs etc!) 🔗 [Link to Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1379224400309?aff=meetup) WhatsApp community in the Eventbrite link above *Chicago tech social mixer afterwork drinks AI connect network data IT programming cybersecurity digital nomad blockchain crypto big data science computer networking community career jobs entrepreneur industry product design startup Chicago tech social mixer afterwork drinks AI connect network data IT programming cybersecurity digital nomad blockchain crypto big data science computer networking community career jobs entrepreneur industry product design startup*z

A wood-fired, social sauna seating 16 people, along the lake and inside Chicago's parks, with an Aufguss session to cap off every sauna day. What to bring: \- Water\, preferably with electrolytes/lemon to replenish\. \- Swimsuit/athletic clothes\. \- Towel\(s\) for sitting inside the sauna and for drying off\. There is a changing tent and a shower for rinsing off available. Looking forward to welcoming you! \- Maria Tkacz\, Founder of Harbor & Hoyage @harborandvoyage More info & booking at harborandyoyage.com

Come join other parents after drop off at The People's Cafe! Talk school shop on all the happenings, events and current events. Parents go through very similar experiences and it's great to connect to your school community. Mondays and Fridays after drop off!

Life is better with friends and photos! So grab your favorite people and join us to create your own "love story" scrapbooks that celebrate friendship, community, and personal memories. Where: Little Italy Branch Library When: February 13th, 2-4 pm We will provide essential scrapbooking materials, including paper, scissors, a variety of adhesives, markers, and decorative supplies. You are encouraged to bring any personal photos or mementos you wish to include in your project. Sign up mandatory -https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemKtm2eIXwDIpRvQS8n2r4X9PiAeKQ9sYW8ccC4Ui39Mb-tA/viewform

Join us in Millennium Park for a **FREE** workout at The Bean. We are an inclusive workout group with chapters throughout the world. Whether you are a multi-marathon runner or a mom just getting back into the swing of things, and everything in between, we only ask of everyone to **#JustShowUp!**

Join The Chicago Spanish Language Meetup Group for a flavorful dining and conversational experience in the heart of the Rogers Park Neighborhood. Immerse yourself in Latino culture through delicious traditional dishes and engaging conversations in Spanish. Meet fellow members of the group, both new in town and long-time residents, while exploring the vibrant Spanish culinary scene of the city. Whether you're a native Spanish speaker or a beginner, this event is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in Latino cuisine and connect with like-minded individuals. Don't miss out on this unique blend of food, fun, and friendship, all happening at a central location in the North Side of Chicago. Let's make unforgettable memories together and celebrate the beauty of Spanish culture in a welcoming and inclusive environment! **P.S. A food purchase is encouraged out of respect to the restaurant. Restaurant staff have agreed to issue separate checks, so please tip individually at the table.** **BYOB if you need some liquid courage.** **Please RSVP so we can secure enough tables/chairs.** **The restaurant is accessible via the 22 Clark Bus or the Morse Red Line.**

**Take a break from the day and use our chess board, or bring your own and a friend to play!** **Sip on a delicious bottomless coffee or charge up your chess game with a Puerto Rican Empanada with other chess enthusiasts, from the neighborhood and surrounding area.** **The People’s Cafe has one chess board available to play. We look forward to hosting you!**

⛪✨ **Heaven in Brick & Gold: Inside St. Barbara Catholic Church** 🕯️🏛️ 🌿 *A Polish Cathedral Masterpiece:* *An Inspiring Morning Inside One of Chicago’s Grandest Historic Churches* ✨ Join us for a special guided visit to **St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church**, a spectacular and deeply historic Catholic landmark on Chicago’s South Side. Known for its monumental scale, ornate interior, and strong ties to the city’s Polish immigrant community, St. Barbara offers an unforgettable look at faith, artistry, and neighborhood history. This is a **stationary guided church visit — no walking tour** — allowing us to slow down and truly appreciate the church’s architecture, artwork, symbolism, and history in a peaceful and reflective setting. Expect soaring ceilings, dramatic altars, rich stained glass, devotional shrines, and stories that connect Catholic tradition with Chicago’s industrial and immigrant past. ✨ *** 🕰️ **Schedule, Meeting Info & Cost** 📅 **Saturday, February 14, 2026** ⏰ **10:00 AM – 12:00 PM** 📍 **St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church** 2859 S. Throop St., Chicago ⏱️ Visit length: \~90 minutes 💰 **$15 per person** 💵 Cash strongly preferred (Zelle / Venmo / PayPal accepted as I submit one group donation) ⚠️ All attendees must check in with me at the start and submit payment directly to me so I can provide **one group donation** to the church. 📸 Photography is allowed — please be respectful of the sacred space and follow any guidance from our hosts. 🎤 **Private guided experience arranged for our group.** *** 🌟 **What We’ll Experience** ⛪ A breathtaking historic sanctuary 🎨 Elaborate religious art, murals, and stained glass 🕯️ Side altars, candles, and devotional elements 📜 The story of the parish and Chicago’s Polish Catholic community 🏛️ Architectural details of the Polish Cathedral–style tradition This visit takes place entirely **inside the church and immediate grounds**. *** 📖 **About St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church** Founded in **1910**, **St. Barbara Parish** was established to serve Polish immigrants who settled near Chicago’s booming industrial corridor of rail yards, factories, and stockyards. Named for **St. Barbara**, patron saint of miners and workers in dangerous trades, the parish became a spiritual refuge for laboring families seeking faith, stability, and community. The current church building, completed in the **1910s**, is a stunning example of the **Polish Cathedral style** — a uniquely American expression of Catholic architecture characterized by monumental scale, classical influences, lavish ornamentation, and an emphasis on beauty as an act of devotion. Inside, the church is richly adorned with: * Grand altars * Painted ceilings and murals * Sculptural details * Stained glass honoring saints, sacraments, and Polish religious heritage Every element was designed to inspire awe, reinforce Catholic teaching, and reflect the pride and sacrifice of the immigrant community that built it. For generations, St. Barbara served as a cultural, spiritual, and social anchor — hosting baptisms, weddings, funerals, festivals, and daily worship that shaped neighborhood life. As demographics evolved, the parish continued to adapt while preserving its extraordinary artistic and architectural legacy. Today, St. Barbara remains an active parish and a treasured landmark — one of Chicago’s most impressive examples of early 20th-century Catholic church design. *** 🍽️ **Optional Coffee or Lunch After the Visit** Those interested are welcome to join me afterward for coffee or lunch at a nearby neighborhood spot. 🍽️ Options will be shared closer to the date. ⚠️ Please bring cash — some venues may not split checks. *** 👟 **What to Bring** • Camera • Respectful attire • $15 tour fee (exact change appreciated) *** 🚇 **Getting There** Public transportation is easy and encouraged. Use Google Maps or CTA Trip Planner: [https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/](https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/) *** 🚗 **Parking** • Street parking available nearby (check posted signs) • Metered parking on nearby main streets • Residential side streets often available • Area can be busy — arriving early is recommended • SpotHero or ParkWhiz may be helpful *** 📝 **RSVP & No-Show Policy** ✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated ✔️ Cancel promptly if plans change ❌ Repeated no-shows may affect future event participation *** ✨⛪ Join us for a meaningful Valentine’s weekend experience exploring Catholic faith, immigrant history, and sacred art — all inside one of Chicago’s most awe-inspiring neighborhood churches. ✨

Let’s meet for a language exchange! How it works: We meet at the **7th floor** of the **Harold Washington Public Library** (400 S State St, Chicago) for conversation practice. After brief introductions, we will alternate between 15 minutes of English and 15 minutes of Korean (up to 90 minutes). For those who are new to Korean, we have a separate group that focuses on Korean vocab and basic grammar. Since space is limited, **please RSVP ASAP.** Please contact Tasnim at 614-260-4591 if you have trouble finding us! Also, we highly recommend that you bring a notebook with you to jot down new vocabulary words that you learn during conversation (you should then try to master those words as you will use many of the same words over and over again in real-life conversation!). For more information about our group (we also have [dinner parties](https://photos.app.goo.gl/QHvsF1puf4iDupJd7), K-drama discussions, [karaoke](https://photos.app.goo.gl/KKMdzmgwd6v8PQUg6), etc.), visit us on **Instagram** at [https://www.instagram.com/koreanconversationtable/](https://www.instagram.com/koreanconversationtable/) and at our website at [www.koreanconversationtable.org](www.koreanconversationtable.org)

⛪🔔 **Bells, Stone & Sky: Rockefeller Memorial Chapel Carillon Tower Tour** 🏛️✨ 🌿 *An extraordinary afternoon inside one of Chicago’s most iconic Gothic landmarks* ✨ Join us for a rare and unforgettable guided visit and **carillon tower tour** at **Rockefeller Memorial Chapel**, one of the most magnificent collegiate Gothic buildings in the world and a crown jewel of the University of Chicago campus. This special experience begins with an introduction to the chapel’s history and architecture before taking us **inside the tower itself** — offering an up-close look at the mighty carillon bells, the inner workings of the instrument, and breathtaking views from above. This is a **stationary guided visit and tower tour** (not a walking tour), but it *does* involve stair climbing — allowing us to focus deeply on **architecture, engineering, music, and vertical exploration** in a truly unique setting. Expect soaring stone vaults, massive bronze bells, mechanical marvels, a live music demonstration, and panoramic skyline and lake views. ✨ *** **🕰️ Schedule, Meeting Info & Cost** 📅 **Sunday, February 15, 2026** ⏰ **1:00–3:00 PM** 📍 **Rockefeller Memorial Chapel** 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago ⏱️ **Visit length:** \~90 minutes 🎤 **Private guided chapel & carillon tower tour** 💰 **$15 per person** 💵 Cash strongly preferred (Zelle / Venmo / PayPal accepted) ⚠️ All attendees must **check in with me at the start** and submit payment directly so I can provide **one group donation** to the chapel. 📸 Photography is allowed — please be respectful and follow any guidance from our hosts. *** **🌟 What We’ll Experience** ⛪ Rockefeller Memorial Chapel’s awe-inspiring Gothic interior 🔔 Introduction to the chapel’s history, architecture, and musical legacy 🏗️ Behind-the-scenes access to the carillon tower 🕰️ The tower’s mechanical room and historic regulator clock 🔔 Up-close views of the **72-bell carillon** (over **100 tons of bronze**) 🎶 A live demonstration of how the carillon is played 🏛️ The playing cabin where the carillonist performs 🌆 Seasonal **360-degree views** from the top of tower *(weather/university permitting)* *** **🔔 Stair Climbing & Accessibility Note** This tour involves climbing **271 steps**, roughly equivalent to **20–22 stories**. The staircase is a **narrow spiral with no elevator**, and the experience may not be suitable for those who are afraid of heights or claustrophobic, or for anyone with knee issues, mobility concerns, or difficulty with stair climbing. We ascend at a **leisurely pace with multiple breaks**, and there is no pressure to reach the top. Participants are welcome to turn back at any point. Guests who choose not to climb (or who stop early) may remain on the main floor and still enjoy the **carillon playing demonstration via live video and audio feed**. *** **📖 About Rockefeller Memorial Chapel** Rockefeller Memorial Chapel was funded by **John D. Rockefeller Jr.** as a memorial to his father, **John D. Rockefeller Sr.**, the principal benefactor of the University of Chicago. Designed by renowned architect **Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue**, the chapel was completed in **1928** and stands as one of the finest examples of **collegiate Gothic Revival architecture** in the United States. Conceived as a **non-denominational sacred space**, the chapel reflects medieval English cathedral influences combined with early 20th-century American craftsmanship, serving as a symbolic and spiritual anchor of the university. *** **📖 About the Carillon Tower Tour** Rockefeller Memorial Chapel houses **one of the largest carillons in the world**, consisting of **72 massive bronze bells**. The largest bell weighs **36,926 pounds** and measures **117 inches in diameter**. The tour begins with a **10–15 minute introduction** on the main floor, covering the chapel’s history, architecture, and the role of the carillon. From there, participants ascend the tower via a **271-step spiral staircase**, taken at a relaxed pace with frequent stops. Along the way, we will: • Walk above the chapel’s false ceiling (attic catwalk) • Pass through the mechanical room housing the original regulator clock and pneumatic chime system • Stand beside the largest bells • Enter the playing cabin, where the carillonist performs using hands and feet Beyond the cabin, a short additional staircase leads to the top of the tower, where sweeping views of **Chicago’s skyline, Lake Michigan, northern Indiana, and the University of Chicago campus** are visible *in season and when permitted*. *** **🍽️ Optional Coffee or Late Lunch After the Visit** Those interested are welcome to join me afterward at a nearby Hyde Park favorite such as **Medici**, **Noodles Etc.**, or **Salonica Restaurant**. 🍽️ Options will be finalized closer to the date. ⚠️ Please bring cash — some venues may not split checks. *** **👟 What to Bring / Wear** • Camera • Comfortable shoes (stairs!) • Respectful attire • $15 tour fee (exact change appreciated) *** **🚇 Getting There** Public transportation is encouraged. Use Google Maps or CTA Trip Planner: [https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/](https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/) *** **🚗 Parking** • Limited street parking nearby (check posted signs) • University area can be busy — arriving early is recommended • SpotHero or ParkWhiz may be helpful *** **📝 RSVP & No-Show Policy** ✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated ✔️ Cancel promptly if plans change ❌ Repeated no-shows may affect future event participation *** ✨🔔 **Join us for a rare opportunity to explore sacred architecture, musical engineering, and sky-high views — all inside one of Chicago’s most extraordinary landmarks.**

## **TWO EVENTS - ONE VALENTINE’S NIGHT-1 TICKET TO START IT ALL - TWO DIFFERENT VENUES** **Your Ticket gets YOU access to Salsa for Singles (6:00–9:30 PM) -Followed by Our Valentine’s Party at AZUL from (10:00PM - Late)** **Salsa For Singles - Valentine's Day Edition Tickets ->** [Click HERE](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1978710734071?aff=oddtdtcreator) **WHAT TO EXPECT** ✨ Beginner-Friendly **Salsa & Bachata Lessons** 🍹 **Bar & Lounge** Atmosphere + Live DJ 💬 Icebreakers, Mingling & Social Dancing **Salsa \| Bachata \| Tequila Tasting \| Latin Vibes 🪩** 🕺 **No partner? No problem.** 🔥 **No dance experience? Even better.** 💃 **New year. New energy. New match.** Our welcoming, beginner-friendly environment makes it easy to meet new people, move to the music, and let the night flow naturally. 📍 Join us Feb 14 and let the rhythm do the talking.

One of my favorite things is to walk along the Chicago lakeshore with my Great Pyrenees pictured here!! Isn’t my doggy cute? 🥰 This meetup wil be for our two legged companions i.e. humans only. But some meet ups will be open to furry friends if you have them. Bundle up it could be a little chilly.🥶 🌊✨If you have a crystal singing bowl feel free to bring it along! We will sit for a few minutes after our walk, to chime and hum and sing to open our Heart chakras in the healing presence of water and wind. Also anyone needing prayer or healing you may request it and I or any volunteers with offer a spiritual prayer and healing over you, before we go on our merry ways. Meet at about 11:45 am as the walk starts at 11:45 am. Bring the positive energy and your cup of cofee or tea if you have it! I am excited to meet you! Much love, Tirzah

ECHOES OF AN ISLAND Del Escenario a la Isla A conversation on symbolism, performance, and Puerto Rico’s evolving relationship with the United States Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance stirred more than applause. It revealed layered symbols — visual references to history, identity, resistance, and belonging. Join us for an open, thoughtful discussion as we unpack the imagery, the history behind it, and what it means today. *Ordering from the menu is required.

This is a series of events with focus on international food restaurants where we try food from another culture each month with a different country. We accept recommendations for future. Please bring card, cash or have Venmo. \~\~\~ please try to update your RSVP at least 12 hours before an event if you can't make it to be respectful of the people on waitlist. \~\~\~ we hope to see you there!

Tired of the status quo? That's where we come in! Join us for our Monthly Meetings to connect liberty-minded individuals in Chicago and Cook County. Not a member? Looking to get more involved? This will be your opportunity to join. Please take part in the campaigns of our candidates and the growing Libertarian movement in Illinois. You don’t have to be a member to attend and we encourage people of all political persuasions to join us. Click here: http://www.lpillinois.com/join E-mail [email protected] for more information. When: First Tuesdays, usually but not always Where: Fatpour Tap Works (2005 W Division St., Chicago, IL 60622)

Siento por el retraso pero va a occurir esta vez. Vamos a tratar Bar Moxie para hablar en español. Intentarámos para reuniar cada mes en persona. ¡Hasta la proxima! =============================================================== I'm sorry for the delay but it's going to happen this time. Let's try Bar Moxie to speak in Spanish. We will try to meet each month in person. Until next time!